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| Macquarie Place, along the Bridge Street boundary reflecting The Lands Department building |
Deep in the shade of a Moreton Bay Fig in one of Sydney’s ‘precious places’, resides this unassuming fountain completed in 1960. It is a memorial to John Christie Wright a Lieutenant in the 20th Battalion, AIF, killed in Bullecourt, France, 3rd May, 1917. Born in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, he emigrated to Australia in 1912, and was 28 years old when he died.
‘He was a man who could ill be spared, but, having heard the cry and call of duty, he went forth to fight for the liberty of others.’John Christie Wright was a sculptor and a painter.
Macquarie Place is ‘precious’ because it is the cradle of our nation, just as tomorrow is ‘precious’ because it is the forge of our nation, ANZAC Day. This is a precious day, not just because of one battle. It is precious because men and women, Australians all, went far away from home to stand up for something bigger than any individual, bigger than any nation. Concepts that straddle nations: comradeship and freedom.
A member of the Weekend Reflection community.
26 comments:
A beautiful post Julie!
Very interesting Julie...and while reading it, I came to realize that as a native Southern Californian, I really don't know much about how Australia developed as a nation, other than the beginnings as a penal colony...your site is very informative...thank you for sharing your history!!!
Thoughtful post illustrated with a beautiful photograph!
Such interesting information and an absolutely stunning photograph. Very nice.
Yes ANZAC is very precious, lovely introduction to the day. The photo is beautiful, I love the little spray and sandstone wall at the top, the way the blue sky gets a glimpse at the bottom and the watery wobbles in the middle. Very contemplative.
Hermosa fotografia.
Saludos.
This fountain may be "unassuming", but you have caught it in a way that shows it is among the most beautiful in the world. The splash of the fountain, the gold ruffled water below, the reflection of blue sky in the foreground ... Beautiful.
And precious, as is the history you shared about ANZAC Day. Thank you.
Beautiful, Julie. As a mother of two in the military, I am so pleased to see this tribute. Just lovely.
Excellent reflection Julie!
Julie, excellent photography! The base of the fountain is shaped like a heart and the water looks like a ballet dancer!
I love the colors and lighting!
Beautiful. I'm very fond of Macquarie Place - and the old Lands Department building.
Fabulous image, Julie. Dreamy!
Nice pic and nice thoughts. It is a shame so many young lives had to be sacrificed for our freedom.
The human condition runs so deeply through us all. -J
Julie, you have outdone yourself.
What a beeeeeautiful post! And a lovely fountain - and reflection too! Thank you for sharing that! This is what I love about blogging - learning from other bloggers!
Your photo is brilliant. I haven't seen this statue in Sydney. But then I only stayed a few days in Sydney with friends before flying to Cairns.
During WWII my father was often in Oz in Perth. He was a chief engineer on board of a Dutch merchant ship. He sailed during the whole war from Australia to America and the to England and back again. My mum, sisters and I were in a Japanese concentrationcamp in Indonesia.
One of my favorites. The combination of light and dark, the ripples, the way the reflections bend in the water. So nice.
A remarkable reflection in all senses of the word for weekend reflections!
such a wonderful tribute and a lovely photo too.
Beautiful!
Beautiful photo and I enjoyed the story behind it.
Gorgeous reflection! And thank you for the information on John Christie Wright..
Wonderful photo and a great tribute, Julie!
A golden reflection, Julie. Got a wow from me when I opened it up.
Just beautiful photo and reflection!
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